Works continue on Mill Park Leisure as council reveals more financial relief
Whittlesea Council has provided a key update on its $25 million Mill Park Leisure project, while also announcing further support for ratepayers struggling financially during the pandemic.
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Works on the multimillion-dollar redevelopment of Mill Park Leisure are continuing despite businesses and key infrastructure projects grinding to a halt amid the coronavirus pandemic.
Whittlesea Council director of city design and transport Helen Sui said the $25 million project was 80 per cent complete and on track to be finished later this year.
“Much of the pool area is now tiled, power connections are occurring and work on the carpark is continuing,” she said.
“Our contractors have been able to adjust the way they work on site to allow for COVID-19 pandemic social distancing requirements but there has been some delay in the supply of some building materials.
“We will continue to keep the community updated on its progress.”
The project will include three new pools, upgrades to spas and saunas, a new cafe and retail site, a refurbished outdoor space and improved weight training and cardio areas.
It comes after the council announced the next stage of its coronavirus relief and support package.
The council added an extra $150,000 to its $50,000 commitment towards Whittlesea Community Connections.
Administrator Lydia Wilson said helping frontline agencies was a top priority and she promised more help was on the way.
“The City of Whittlesea has made funds available to organisations on the frontline of delivering basic necessities that will make a difference to individuals and families right now,” she said.
“We are rolling out our support and relief initiatives as the COVID-19 situation continues to evolve and we understand more about the impacts on our community. There will be more to come.”
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Further support for vulnerable groups included data SIM cards for maternal and child health clients — helping them access online appointments.
Distraction packs were made available to the municipality’s Aboriginal community, translated council information provided to multicultural communities and an outreach program was set up for “isolated groups”.
Last week, the council announced financially-affected residents would be able to apply for a payment plan, or in serious cases, could defer rates without incurring interest until June 30, 2021.